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HealthcareOhio State University scientists find specific elements of marijuana can be good for the aging brain - REDUCE MEMORY IMPAIRMENTSubmitted by Norm Roulet on Sun, 06/27/2010 - 22:24.
SCIENTISTS ARE HIGH ON IDEA THAT MARIJUANA REDUCES MEMORY IMPAIRMENT
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When Capitalism Meets Cannabis - New York Times - June 25, 2010Submitted by Norm Roulet on Sun, 06/27/2010 - 20:59.
Benjamin Rasmussen for The New York Times When Capitalism Meets CannabisBy DAVID SEGAL - Published: June 25, 2010 BOULDER, Colo. ANYONE who thinks it would be easy to get rich selling marijuana in a state where it’s legal should spend an hour with Ravi Respeto, manager of the Farmacy, an upscale dispensary here that offers Strawberry Haze, Hawaiian Skunk and other strains of Cannabis sativa at up to $16 a gram. She will harsh your mellow. “No M.B.A. program could have prepared me for this experience,” she says, wearing a cream-colored smock made of hemp. “People have this misconception that you just jump into it and start making money hand over fist, and that is not the case.” Since this place opened in January, it’s been one nerve-fraying problem after another. Pot growers, used to cash-only transactions, are shocked to be paid with checks and asked for receipts. And there are a lot of unhappy surprises, like one not long ago when the Farmacy learned that its line of pot-infused beverages could not be sold nearby in Denver. Officials there had decided that any marijuana-tinged consumables had to be produced in a kitchen in the city.
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Lesson In Bicycling Economics 101: Don't Forget To Include External Costs Like Pollution Exposure And Increased MortalitySubmitted by Norm Roulet on Sun, 06/27/2010 - 13:49.
I have been disturbed to live in a community where pollution is a serious health crisis, and I am surrounded by smart young people, yet nobody seems to care they are being poisoned. The worst demonstration of that is the movement to put a bicycle lane along side a major pollution and so health hazard - the I-90 freeway bridge elevated high into the polluted air of the Cuyahoga River Valley, in downtown Cleveland. Clearly, there are engineering and construction cost increases to include such a feature on a freeway bridge - costs society may afford - but what are the negative externalities associated with such a bridge feature, which would encourage individuals to exert themselves in immediate proximity - within a few feet - of a known carcinogen - vehicular emissions. This would also encourage people to spend increased time exerting themselves in an elevated point above other Cleveland pollution, like the toxins from Cleveland Thermal and Mittal, also in close proximity to the bridge. As there is proof that short term exposure to such pollution increases risk of serious short and long-term health consequences, it is certain such a bridge feature would increase healthcare costs, human suffering and mortality rates in this region, as it would harm the health and shorten the lives of those who use it. To the extent the feature encourages broad public use, the harm could be very significant - the equivalent of 100s of life-years lost, and more. What is the cost of genetic mutation among our young? External costs associated with putting a bike lane on the I-90 freeway bridge would far exceed the cost of the bridge itself.
Developers and farmers continue to pave the way for hemp as a biomass crop in the United StatesSubmitted by Norm Roulet on Sun, 06/27/2010 - 02:33.
U.S. industrial hemp development continues
Developers and farmers continue to pave the way for hemp as a biomass crop in the United States. The U.S. Appeals Court in St. Paul, Minn., heard arguments Nov. 12 by two North Dakota farmers trying to get a lower court’s dismissal of their suit against a federal agency overturned. David Monson, Osnabrock, N.D., and Wayne Hauge, Ray, N.D., have state approval to grow industrial hemp in North Dakota, but are suing the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to get a federal permit to grow industrial hemp. Hemp is related to the illegal drug marijuana and under federal law some of the industrial hemp plant is considered a controlled substance. The three-judge appeals panel will issue a written decision, but that isn't expected to be available for several months. While a number of states allow hemp research, North Dakota was the only one to allow hemp cultivation until Vermont granted permission earlier this year. In Massachusetts, a developer sourced the hemp he used for product evaluation from Canada where the crop is legally grown. Jim Pillsbury of Framingham, Mass., is developing hemp for heating pellets. In 2007, Pillsbury had a Canadian prototype biomass research facility, ViFam Pro Services of Kirkland, Quebec, test hemp leaf biomass for heating pellets which were then analyzed at the Twin Ports Testing Labs in Superior, Wis.
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Meet Cool Clevelanders - Mittal's Next Door NeighborsSubmitted by Norm Roulet on Sat, 06/26/2010 - 23:59.
I was out documenting the air pollution from the Mittal Cleveland Works steel mill today, around sunset, and the lovely couple that lives in Mittal's backyard came over to join me, and enjoy their supper overlooking the beautiful Cuyahoga River Valley, in their backyard. 'The flame is pretty", the young man said, "but it sure pollutes".
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NE Ohio Air Quality Advisory Sat. 6/26/10Submitted by Norm Roulet on Fri, 06/25/2010 - 23:13.
06/26/2010 - 00:00 06/26/2010 - 23:59 Etc/GMT-4 Air Quality Advisory Issued for Northeast Ohio Saturday, June 26, 2010 due to Ozone Concentratio Northeast Ohio- There is potential for high ozone pollution levels Saturday, June 26, due to high-temperature conditions. Pollution may reach levels considered "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" during the afternoon or early evening hours in areas not subject to rain. ( categories:
EPA Hosting Public Hearing to Discuss Citizen Concerns Over MCCO University Circle Coal Powerplant Permit RenewalSubmitted by Norm Roulet on Thu, 06/24/2010 - 04:44.
08/10/2010 - 16:30 08/10/2010 - 18:45 Etc/GMT-4 Thanks to the timely, effective intervention of the Sierra Club, the Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to hold a public hearing for citizens to discuss their concerns about the renewal of the permit for the Medical Center Company (MCCO) to burn coal in their powerplant in University Circle (above), harming residents and workers in the densely populated and economically distressed surrounding neighborhood. Location
Martin Luther King Jr. branch of the Cleveland Public Library
1962 Stokes Boulevard
Cleveland, OH 44106United States
Phone:
216.623.7018
See map: Google Maps
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Easy "Energy-Bimbo" Test: Does your Ecomagination Make Mining and Coal Seem Clean and Sexy to You?Submitted by Norm Roulet on Thu, 06/24/2010 - 02:52.
Before the Deepwater Era of today, there was the Sustainabilly Era of the past decade, when environmentalism was as easy as drinking the right beer, and green-washing was punctuated by mega-conglomerate mind-control spam promoting a clean, sexy, prosperous life for all, by all simply being beautiful energy-bimbos with ecomagination. In the Sustainabilly Era, there was a global competition of dirty energy companies seeking to seem clean and beautiful... and to make their dirty energy offerings seem clean and beautiful. Industrial powerhouses like BP and GE barraged the world with sexy portrayals of their most "Sustainable" vision for the future - our world "Beyond Petroleum" of their "Ecomagination".
Erie Coke plant casts a long, unhealthy shadow - Cancer diagnoses trouble city’s residentsSubmitted by Norm Roulet on Wed, 06/23/2010 - 22:56.
Derek Gee / Buffalo News Just as Cleveland has our Mittal Cleveland Works steel plant poisoning area citizens, Erie, Pennsylvania, has Erie Coke poisoning the people of that community, and nearby New York. The difference between the situation in Cleveland and Erie, apparent from the following article in the Buffalo News, is that the people polluted by Erie Coke are being protected by their area environmentalists and government leaders in Pennsylvania who are trying to Keep Erie’s Environment Protected - KEEP. In the case of Erie Coke, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection signed a consent degree with the owner, J. D. Crane, on June 17, 2010, legally binding the company to comply with laws and regulations, pay a $6 million fine, and agree to pay an estimated $15 million for a schedule of improvements at their "antiquated facility aimed at halting the release of dangerous toxins into the atmosphere
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Medical Marijuana Bill Takes Root in Ohio - State Sen. Bill Seitz supports concept, but not this billSubmitted by Norm Roulet on Mon, 06/21/2010 - 16:53.
Depending on how you read the tea leaves, support for some sort of marijuana legalization might be at an all-time high among Americans. The results of an Associated Press/CNBC poll released in April showed 55 percent of Americans opposed an end to prohibition. But when those polled were asked to compare the hypothetical regulation of marijuana to that of alcohol, 56 percent said marijuana regulation should be the same or less strict than the regulation of alcohol. In Ohio, Democrat State Rep. Kenny Yuko of Richmond Heights, a Cleveland suburb, recently introduced House Bill 478, which would legalize the use, growth and dispensing of medical marijuana for persons suffering from debilitating conditions including cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. “This is a very easy remedy for therapeutic relief,” Yuko says.
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From research to high-technology bioprocessing to farming, we're very excited at the possibilities this project has to offerSubmitted by Norm Roulet on Mon, 06/21/2010 - 16:23.
Canadian Hemp Factory to Create Jobs, Green Energy, and Economic Stimulus By Joyce Cassin - Sunday, January 25 2009
After nearly 10 years of research and development in industrial hemp, Stonehedge Bio- Resources Inc. of Sterling is ready to lead the way in commercializing hemp in North America. Building on a business case developed through the Eastern Lake Ontario Regional Innovation Network (ELORIN), Stonehedge is now set to establish a bioprocessing facility in Eastern Ontario to serve North American markets. Some of the products and co-products are aimed at the automotive, energy, agriculture, construction material, and pulp and paper markets. This fibre separation facility (decortication plant) is expected to provide new farm income for about 200 farmers, putting more than 12,000 acres into cultivation, said John Baker, president and founder of Stonehedge. They secured $2 million in funding from Great Britain and met with the British Consulate on Wednesday, Northumberland County chief administrative officer Bill Pyatt told County council Wednesday afternoon. "Hopefully they'll be able to obtain provincial and federal dollars as well," Mr. Pyatt said. "This industry will supply all of North America."
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I Will Never Use Marijuana-based Medicine or Hemp-based Fuel, Paper, Cloth, Plastic, Food or Other Products from the USA, EverSubmitted by Norm Roulet on Mon, 06/21/2010 - 15:34.
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Group seeks to decriminalize marijuana in Miami BeachSubmitted by Norm Roulet on Mon, 06/21/2010 - 15:12.
Pro-marijuana activists, backed by the director of the `Cocaine Cowboys' documentaries, are pushing to decriminalize marijuana in Miami Beach BY DAVID SMILEY dsmiley [at] MiamiHerald [dot] com Miami Beach voters could cast ballots for Mary Jane come November should a budding effort to decriminalize marijuana possession in the city gain traction. In front of City Hall Wednesday evening, the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy announced a drive to gather signatures in support of a proposed amendment that would make ``personal'' possession of marijuana in Miami Beach a civil code violation punishable by a mere fine. ``We're empowering local government to deal with this differently,'' said Ford Banister, the group's chairman. Banister hopes to put the proposal before the city's voters in November.
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Feature: Colorado Looks At Legalizing Marijuana in 2012Submitted by Norm Roulet on Mon, 06/21/2010 - 14:56.
Angered by a pair of bills aiming at regulating the state's burgeoning medical marijuana industry just signed into law by Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D), one group of medical marijuana advocates has announced plans to get a marijuana legalization initiative on the ballot in 2012. But there is already another legalization initiative filed with state officials and ready to go. ![]() Colorado Marijuana Boot Camp for activists, organized by SAFER The competing efforts suggest a certain fractiousness in the state's increasingly crowded and complex medical and recreational marijuana communities, but they also illustrate the growing momentum toward legalization on the ground in Colorado. Just last month, a Rasmussen poll showed marijuana legalization hovering on the cusp of majority support, with 49% of likely voters approving, 38% opposed, and 13% undecided. A 2006 legalization initiative got only 39% of the vote. The initiative effort in the news this week is called Legalize 2012, and is being led by the Boulder-based education and advocacy group Cannabis Therapy Institute (CTI), which is deeply unhappy with the new regulations provoked by a massive boom in dispensaries in the past year or so. "The problem we have in Colorado is that the medical marijuana amendment didn't set up a distribution system, and now, 10 years later, that flawed language is coming back to haunt us," said institute spokesperson Laura Kriho. "The only way to cure the problems patients are now having is across the board legalization for all adults. It will simplify things for law enforcement, patients, and people who aren't patients."
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Tip of the Hat and Props to PD's Michael McIntyre - First Reporter to Recognize "A new cash crop" for OhioSubmitted by Norm Roulet on Mon, 06/21/2010 - 14:41.
Tip of the Hat and Props to the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Michael McIntyre, and his Tipoff column today - First Reporter to Recognize "A new cash crop" for Ohio. I look forward to discussing this initiative in detail with Michael and others in the media and public, as it is important to educate the community on the economic benefits we will receive from "Growing a Bright Green NEO PAC for Legalization & Commercialization of Cannabis Crops, Products & Services". Here is Michael McIntyre's correct and intelligent impression of our initiative to make Northeast Ohio the Open Source Capital of the Brightest Greenest State of Earth:
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Happy B Day realNEO EvelynSubmitted by Norm Roulet on Mon, 06/21/2010 - 00:00.
It is safe to say the #1 financial and empowering supporter of realNEO is and has always been my wife, Evelyn Kiefer Roulet. A founding member of realNEO (member #7), who has consistently posted some of the most interesting and globally appreciated content, she administers the Putnam Sculpture Colledction at Case (beautifully presented in Drupal), conducts art appraisals, consults in art history - maintains the brightest greenest home and garden in town - all to significantly support our large family so I may focus on realNEO and other regional and global initiatives. She has allowed this flower to grow.
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Sarah Palin says Marijuana is a 'minimal problem'... Ron Paul says Legalize It - State of the Tea Party - 6/17/10Submitted by Norm Roulet on Sun, 06/20/2010 - 09:02.
The former Alaska governor appeared on Fox Business Network last night, along with libertarian-leaning Republican Rep. Ron Paul.
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Britain Approves Liquid Marijuana as Prescription Medicine - JUNE 18, 2010Submitted by Norm Roulet on Sun, 06/20/2010 - 07:41.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — It was announced today that Sativex, a cannabinoid-based liquid medicine sprayed under the tongue, has been approved for use in Great Britain to help treat the muscle spasticity suffered by multiple sclerosis patients. Sativex is a natural marijuana extract that is produced by British-based GW Pharmaceuticals. It has been approved for use in Canada to treat neuropathic pain since 2005. “Once again, the scientific community has confirmed that marijuana is medicine and it can provide safe and effective relief to patients suffering from certain conditions,” said Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project. “Sadly, our federal government, through the Drug Enforcement Administration, has blocked effective research into the therapeutic effectiveness of marijuana. The United States could be leading the world in the development of cannabinoid-based medicines, but instead our government has ceded this industry to the U.K., while intentionally prolonging the agony of patients in this country.”
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Creating Stronger Schools Takes a Team: Working Together for Our Kids... Stronger Schools for Cleveland KidsSubmitted by Norm Roulet on Sat, 06/19/2010 - 21:29.
Creating Stronger Schools Takes a Team: Working Together for Our Kids... Stronger Schools for Cleveland Kids Working Together for Our Kids.
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Effect of Power Plants on Local Housing Values and Rents - "3-7 percent decreases in housing values and rents within two miles"Submitted by Norm Roulet on Sat, 06/19/2010 - 10:00.
The people of Northeast Ohio should be highly concerned about our air pollution, for many reasons. A most recent reason for concern: the May 2010 study "The Effect of Power Plants on Local Housing Values and Rents" finds "3-7 percent decreases in housing values and rents within two miles of plants with the semiparametric estimates suggesting somewhat larger decreases within one mile. In addition, there is evidence of taste-based sorting with neighborhoods near plants experiencing statistically significant decreases in mean household income, educational attainment, and the proportion of homes that is owner occupied". That is a strong analytic foundation for finding much of Cleveland is statistically worth significantly less than cleaner areas of Northeast Ohio and cities in America (as also reflected in our low property values here).
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Oregon: Permit personal marijuana cultivation/use; regulate commercial marijuana cultivation/sale; prohibit restrictions on hempSubmitted by Norm Roulet on Fri, 06/18/2010 - 23:38.
Petition for State Initiative: Permits personal marijuana, hemp cultivation/use without license; commission to regulate commercial marijuana cultivation/sale Summary: Currently, marijuana cultivation, possession and delivery are prohibited; regulated medical marijuana use permitted. Measure replaces state, local marijuana laws except medical marijuana and driving under the influence laws; distinguishes “hemp” from “marijuana”; prohibits regulation of hemp. Creates agency to license marijuana cultivation by qualified persons and to purchase entire crop. Agency sells marijuana at cost to pharmacies, medical research facilities, and to qualified adults for profit through state stores. Ninety percent of net proceeds goes to state general fund, remainder to drug education,
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Ron Paul "Hemp Best Source Of Ethanol"Submitted by Norm Roulet on Fri, 06/18/2010 - 22:48.
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How Biomass Energy Works - From the Union of Concerned ScientistsSubmitted by Norm Roulet on Thu, 06/17/2010 - 13:28.
How Biomass Energy Works - From the Union of Concerned Scientists To many people, the most familiar forms of renewable energy are the wind and the sun. But biomass (plant material and animal waste) supplies almost 15 times as much energy in the United States as wind and solar power combined—and has the potential to supply much more. There are a wide variety of biomass energy resources, including tree and grass crops and forestry, agricultural, and urban wastes. It is the oldest source of renewable energy known to humans, used since our ancestors learned the secret of fire. Biomass is a renewable energy source because the energy it contains comes from the sun. Through the process of photosynthesis, chlorophyll in plants captures the sun's energy by converting carbon dioxide from the air and water from the ground into carbohydrates, complex compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. When these carbohydrates are burned, they turn back into carbon dioxide and water and release the sun's energy they contain. In this way, biomass functions as a sort of natural battery for storing solar energy. As long as biomass is produced sustainably—with only as much used as is grown—the battery will last indefinitely.
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This is for Nicole and for all of our kids – and theirs to come.Submitted by Norm Roulet on Wed, 06/16/2010 - 14:55.
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The only thing wrong with Cleveland, he says, is the attitude of some of its residents - "Hot", isn't that!Submitted by Norm Roulet on Wed, 06/16/2010 - 11:32.
On June 3, 2010, I reported on realNEO "our air around Northeast Ohio has been unhealthy by most standards every day for the past week, and is never nearly healthy enough" and asked "why the hell was air quality in Cleveland and so Northeast Ohio, the region, the state and the world so "UNHEALTHY" last night, while we slept, and why is it so unhealthy RIGHT NOW - and HOW UNHEALTHY really, where, as indicated above?" The diagrams above and below are actually from today - June 16, 2010 - two weeks later. In checking the same pollution monitoring service of NOACA to see current pollution conditions, I find our regional pollution control house of cards has completely collapsed, with NOACA "near real time" pollution monitoring systems (which should be data driven and perfect) still reporting we had "SEVERE" levels of MP2.5 pollution in Northeast Ohio over the past 24 hours (see line and rose charts at bottom of diagram below) - for many hours reading over 300, leading up to these charts - yet NOACA posting an "OFFICIAL" explanation that "NOTICE: The PM2.5 monitors are experiencing difficulty this week. Data shown is incorrect. Local air agencies are working with the monitors. In addition, high humidity is being reflected. We appreciate your patience."
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